Trimax 1050 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Trimax 1050 is a certified "rocketship" in the multihull world, boasting a Sail Area/Displacement (SA/D) ratio in the high 30s, which places it firmly in the performance tier of offshore cruisers. With a standard sail plan featuring a 45-square-meter mainsail and a 25-square-meter jib, the boat is designed to accelerate in light airs where monohulls typically struggle. The use of carbon fiber in the beams, mast, and retractable bowsprit ensures that the rig remains stiff and responsive.

Handling is characterized by high stability and minimal heel; the manufacturer, Trimaran Yacht Trimax, notes that the vessel typically maintains a maximum gradient of only 5 to 10 degrees even under press of sail. This stability is augmented by the high-volume amas (floats), which are designed with significant buoyancy in the bows to prevent "pitch-poling" or nose-diving during high-speed downwind runs. Tracking is managed by a retractable daggerboard, allowing the boat to point high into the wind, while the lifting rudder enables access to extremely shallow waters with a minimum draft of just 0.50 meters. Anecdotal evidence from test sails suggests that the boat provides the visceral feedback of a smaller sportboat while maintaining the sea-kindliness of a 34-foot ocean-going hull.

Interior Comfort & Variations

Despite its focus on speed, the Trimax 1050 offers a surprisingly functional interior that avoids the "cramped tunnel" feel common in many performance trimarans. The vertical folding system is a key contributor here; unlike horizontal folding systems that require structural bulkheads to intrude into the living space, the Trimax system allows for a wider main hull. The cabin typically features a five-berth configuration, comprising a V-berth forward, a convertible saloon, and a double berth tucked under the cockpit.

The cabinetry and interior furniture often utilize foam-cored laminates to maintain the boat's strict weight budget without sacrificing the aesthetics of a modern cruiser. While the 1050 provided the foundation for the series, the model was eventually superseded by the Trimax 1080. The sibling 1080 model is built on the same fundamental hull geometry but extended to 36 feet, offering an even more refined interior with a standing headroom of 1.95 meters (6'4") in the saloon and expanded tankage for longer-range voyaging. Both models emphasize a "bridge-deck" feel, where the transition from the cockpit to the cabin is relatively seamless, aided by the massive amount of deck space provided by the trampolines.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers of a Trimax 1050 should focus their inspections on the high-load areas unique to carbon-epoxy trimarans.

• Folding Hinge Hardware: The vertical folding mechanism relies on massive stainless steel pins and composite hinge points. Buyers should inspect these for any signs of "slop" or elongated holes, which can lead to vibration or structural clicking while underway.
• Beam-to-Hull Joinery: Because trimarans experience up to nine times the torsional forces of a monohull, the areas where the crossbeams (akas) meet the main hull and floats must be meticulously checked for stress crazing or delamination in the epoxy skin.
• Daggerboard Trunk: The daggerboard case is a common site for impact damage. Inspect the trunk internally for water ingress and check the board itself for "fuzzing" or leading-edge damage that could indicate a high-speed grounding.
• Core Moisture: While the use of closed-cell foam and epoxy makes the Trimax more resistant to rot than balsa-cored boats, any aftermarket hardware installations that were not properly "potted" with epoxy can allow moisture to enter the sandwich, leading to localized delamination.

Community & Resources

The Trimax community is centered primarily in Northern Europe, particularly among the Belgian and Dutch multihull circles where the builder was most active. Technical support and owner discussions are often facilitated through the Dutch Multihull Association (Multihull Club Nederland) and the German Multihull Association (Multihull Deutschland). These organizations provide a vital link for owners seeking specific technical advice on the Bosgraaf-designed hulls and the proprietary folding systems used by Trimax Yachts.

The Verdict

The Trimax 1050 is a rare, high-tech multihull that offers a compelling alternative to more common production trimarans like those from Corsair or Dragonfly.

Pros:

• Exceptional speed and light-air performance.
• True trailerability and slip-compatibility via a robust folding system.
• High-end epoxy/carbon construction ensures a stiff, durable hull.
• Shallow draft and beaching capability for versatile cruising.

Cons:

• Limited production numbers make finding one on the secondary market difficult.
• Advanced composite repairs require specialized (and expensive) professional labor.
• Interior volume, while good for a trimaran, still trails behind monohulls of similar length.